Choice Cognacs For Whiskey Drinkers

Fancy A Change? How About Cognac Instead Of Whiskey?

By Sophie von Olfers

Delmain Vesper Grande Champagne Cognac
(Credit: Delmain Cognac)

There’s something a little patronizing when someone tries to convince you that ‘their drink’ is superior to your favorite. When it comes down to it, you’re the only one who knows exactly what flavors tickle your taste buds.

So you might wonder why on earth we’re extolling the virtues of Whiskey’s arch enemy, Cognac, right here on The Whiskey Reviewer? OK, so the arch enemy comment is a little tongue in cheek, but you get the drift…

But we truly believe that both spirits have something that appeals to enthusiasts across the aisle (or bar). And we’re not the only ones, because many cognac and whiskey producers are now creating products that are barrel aged to at least some extent in old containers that have previously held the other spirit.

It’s with this in mind that if you, as a whiskey drinker, were curious enough to see if a cognac might just hit the spot, you should try one of the following options. Leaving aside cognac’s designations like VS, VSOP, and XO or other  descriptions such as Napoleon and Extra for the time being, it’s best to focus on some high quality choices that will serve as a good bridge for whiskey connoisseurs.

Delamain Vesper Grande Champagne Cognac
The house of Delamain only bring cognacs to market that are of truly high quality. This super aged cognac has taken decades to come to fruition, with each component being aged separately, before being brought together in a process known as ‘marriage’. It’s a complicated process, made more so by the very slow process of bringing the alcohol content down to a regular consumption strength of 40% ABV.

In very old Cognacs such as Vesper, a unique taste appears. This is known as ‘rancio’. This taste is very difficult to describe, with even Cognac experts having some trouble applying words to the flavor. It can be described as earthy, even mushroom-like, or nutty. But suffice to say, it’s highly likely to appeal to a whiskey-tuned palate.

Enjoy neat, perhaps hand warmed or, in true whiskey fashion, why not add a drop of water or an ice cube and release a subtle flavor change.

Camus VSOP Ile de Re
(Credit: Camus)

Courvoisier Vintage Connoisseur Collection 21 Years
There are not many cognacs out there with an age statement such as 21 years, so this offering from Courvoisier certainly isn’t the norm. Yet the appeal for whiskey drinkers has more to do with the way that the aromas and flavors mingle in this vintage blend. Expect hints of nuts, spices, gingerbread, and white pepper, before sitting back and enjoying a wonderfully lengthy and smooth aftertaste. Again, enjoy neat, on the rocks, or with a drop of water. It’s your cognac, so drink it your way.

Camus VSOP Ile de Re Fine Island Cognac
This is a younger cognac than the previous recommendations, so expect a slightly more vigorous tasting experience. The reason this will appeal to the whiskey drinker is thanks to the unique vineyards and aging cellars it comes from, conjuring certain elements of island Scotch whisky or ocean-aged bourbon. The island of Ile de Re is in the most westerly part of the Cognac region, and grapes grown here have a distinctly unique character.

The saltiness of the ocean instills a freshness into this cognac, and it might surprise with how light and fruity it is, both on the nose and palate. But don’t make the mistake of thinking this means it has no substance, because nothing could be further from the truth. It’s outstandingly smooth, with a finish that’s been touched by the hands of the ocean: you can just taste a slight, salty tang. Try drinking this straight from the fridge, or even the freezer. Alternatively, over ice, or add a drop of spring water to fully reveal its full character.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of Cognacs that would appeal to a whiskey drinker. However, for anyone who’d like to give the French classic a bit of airtime, then these three would be a great place to start.

This article has been written by Cognac-Expert.com, the leading online platform for all things Cognac. Run by sister and brother team, Sophie and Max, from their estate in the Cognac countryside, Cognac Expert is an information site, blog, and online store with a global database.